Hi all, I’ve not posted for a while. I’ve been watching from afar though. I’ve been struggling with my running for a couple of months really. Weather, short days, back at work full time-excuses I know. I did have a small op so couldn’t run for a week-that was valid! 🙄
Anyway, since my 10K I’ve really struggled and found myself shattered at 5k...no increase in pace or change in hydration/diet etc. Think I got a bit demoralised. I’ve been running once a week, mostly, occasionally twice.
Today I decided to go back to intervals on the 10K plan I did. So as a result I did 2miles and it felt ok. I feel more positive and keen to get back to at least 2 runs a week. I’m not keen to run in the dark so Tuesdays and a weekend day are my options for now.
Rambling post but thought I would share. X
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madmother
Graduate10
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You have made a really good start; trying to get to twice per week and running intervals for a bit of variety makes a lot of sense. Both will bring your fitness levels up nicely in a very short time. My concept of acceptable conditions for running is constantly changing. Neither rain nor cold bother me now. Ice is a show stopper, and darkness used to be an issue, but add in a head torch and the latter problem is solved too. I appreciate that running in the dark is not recommended in every location! I am lucky in that respect. Main thing is that you are back. Be kind to yourself 😊
Hi madmother ...thank you for your post...that I am sure many people will relate to. It's really disheartening when you lose the love and it sounds to me like those gremlins have well and truly made a nest in your head...Like you said, you're not doing anything different so it must be your thinking...you say you found yourself shattered by 5k?? 5k is a very respectable distance and don't forget that you couldn't run that distance at all at one time??? You need to think about how far you have come Madmother...and running once or twice a week is bound to take it's toll...you need to set yourself some realistic targets so that you finish your runs on a high...so instead of aiming for a 5k...aim for a 3k, then when it's finished you will have achieved what you set out to do...do you get me??? There's no point aiming for say an 8k run, being shattered by 5k and so not completing the distance you set out for, this is only going to make you feel even more demoralised. This is what I would do, just until you find your love for running again. Let us know how you're getting on...don't be a stranger. We've all been there, well I know I have. It's obvious you want to run otherwise you wouldn't be trying to find the love at all x
Very true points. I’m dropping distance and just aiming to get out with guided interval training. Felt better and it was achievable. It’s all in my head I know. I want to keep running though so I’m on it. Thanks xxx
Mummycav making loads of sense. I'd also add, reading your post, you say you are just back to work full time - if your previous running was not with full time work then hey, your doing great balancing act. Congratulate yourself for what you are achieving so you get pleasure from your successes then you can slowly build on speed or distance- but only if you want. There are no rules to say you have to keep going faster or longer. The just doing it is enough. Happy running
Rambling post is just right for a runner. 😊👍 That struggling feeling is a real pest. We’ve almost all had bouts of it. 😕 And shorter days plus full time work must make it hard - it’s not as if the rest of Life stands still, either. So it’s good to hear you found a little chink of daylight to get you back into running regularly. 👏🏼I find it takes a bit of routine and/or a plan to keep me going over the humps. Your interval coaching sounds ideal, especially as it worked to get you to 10k. As I’m at 9k, I’m admiring you from behind! 😄 Just enjoy some achievable runs for now, and watch some of the rest of us working to catch up. Good luck with it! 👍🎉
An article came out in the week saying that any running is better than no running. Not being funny but working full time probably has had a big effect. I don't know what job you do but work can be full on and can leave you shattered, especially if you are juggling other commitments. Go easy on yourself - you'll soon get your running mojo back.
Thank you. I’m a nurse and I’ve got three teenage daughters 😳. I have had a tricky year with my eldest and took a month of unpaid leave over the summer. That’s when I did my 10K training. So it’s fair to say dark mornings and nights have scuppered me. But my mojo also ran off at some point 🤣
It doesn’t have to be three runs a week, be kind to yourself and if you can only do two runs a week that’s fine and better than those on the couch 😂 Apart from parkrun all my runs are lunchtime runs.
I totally get this feeling. Personally I am very goal orientated and I was very worried after I did C25K about keeping the momentum going. I'm planning to run a 10K in May, which is what is keeping me focused at the moment. Good job too as although I really enjoy the running I am not enjoying the dark cold evenings much! I'm a bit frustrated as I don't work Fridays so if I ran Friday and Sunday I could get two runs in during daylight, but that would mean missing Saturday's Park Run and I really enjoy that. I also had to have a break, due to a poorly knee, and I found going back to running a bit scary, as I wasn't as fast as I was, plus I was anxious all the time about if I could manage the distance. I keep having to remind myself this is about fun as well as fitness and so what if I can't manage the whole way, or I'm the slowest person in the park - I'm there for me not training for the Olympics
To me it sounds like you are doing great. Being able to go out and run two miles is not to be sneezed at, in the past I have caught a bus for that type of distance. You are doing great.
Thank you. I’m quite goal focussed too. Nothing planned at the moment, maybe ought to look at something for next year. I’ve got a puppy who I plan to run with eventually and then I might be less concerned about running in the dark. He will love it (I hope!).
Keep up the good work, we are our harshest critics aren’t we. Sounds like you are doing really well. 😃
Sounds like you are approaching this in the right way. Well done for sticking with it in spite of a number of life challenges. You’ve maintained the running habit which is the most important thing. You can build up again at your own pace as daylight run opportunities open up for you. You are doing great. Go easy on yourself.
this weather doesn't help. Hope you have recovered from your op.
Just do what you can do when you can do it. Sounds like you are doing this. When I graduated I got a bit hung up that everyone had to be 5k or plus. then discovered it really doesn't!! ... a little tootle can be great. And really not so little when you think back to when you started
Hi madmother. I totally empathise with your situation as this is me throughout winter too! I got home late from work today feeling tired and couldn't face a run in the cold, dark & rain so it'll be another 'one run only this week'. I've come to accept that there will be weeks like this where I'll just have to run when I can. There was a great article in the weekend newspapers about how good running is for you - the study quoted that this was even if it's only once a week so I'm holding on to that thought as a positive thing! Be kind to yourself. You do a tough job and I'm sure you're not sitting down all day! 🙂
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